Convertible plier-type tool

ABSTRACT

Plier-type tool convertible between a crossed handle and a simple pivoted handle configuration having replaceable jaw tips enabling a simple squeezing motion of the handles to be selectively utilized to expand or contract the tips for use, for example, with internal or external spring retaining rings.

United States Patent 11 1 Epstein 1 1 Oct. 2, 1973 |54| CONVERTIBLE PLIER-TYPE TOOL 252,248 1/1882 Pease 81/394 Inventor: y p Seaford' N.Y' 3,040,420 6/l962 Kulp 29/229 [73] Assignee: Kastar, lnc., Bcllport, N.Y. Primary Examiner othell M Simpson [22] Filed: May 20, 1971 Assistant Examiner-Mark S. Bicks Appl. No.: 145,344

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1949 Duffy 29/229 An0rney-Lackenbach and Lackenbach [57] ABSTRACT Flier-type tool convertible between a crossed handle and a simple pivoted handle configuration having replaceable jaw tips enabling a simple squeezing motion of the handles to be selectively utilized to expand or contract the tips for use, for example, with internal or external spring retaining rings.

10 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEDUBTTZIQB 3.762.019

SHEET 1 [IF 2' 56( 60 INVENTOR. I 70 54 HARRY EPSTEIN 65 fW 72 ATTORNEY PATENTED 21973 3.762.019

SHEET 20F 2 INVENI'OR. HARRY EPSTEIN ATTORNEYS CONVERTIBLE PLIER-TYPE TOOL This invention relates generally to a plier-type tool and, more particularly, to a convertible tool operable in either a crossed handle or simple pivoted handle configuration.

In various assembly and mechanical operations, it is desirable to utilize pliers or plier-type tools wherein a squeezing movement of the handles provides a squeezing movement of the jaws. Alternatively, in any other operations it is desirable to provide plier-type tools wherein a squeezing movement of the handles provides opposing or opening movement of the jaws. Particularly in the assembly and/or disassembly of spring retaining rings, the necessity for both types of tools is manifest since an internal spring retaining or snap ring is ordinarily removed and/or replaced by squeezing the open ends together while an external type spring retaining or snap ring is ordinarily removed and/or replaced by expanding the open ends thereof. Conventionally, therefore, two entirely separate snap ring pliers are ordinarily required in a mechanics tool kit, one wherein a squeezing movement of the handles provides a squeezing movement of the jaws for use with internal type retaining rings and the other being of the type wherein squeezing movement of the handles provides opposing movement of the jaws for use with external type spring retaining or snap rings. Additionally, a mechanics tool kit would ordinarily further comprise several additional pairs of snap rings or spring retaining ring pliers of differing tip size and angular configuration, including straight and bent nose configurations. In addition to the additional cost involved in owning and maintaining a plurality of different retaining ring pliers, substantial time may be lost by a mechanic each time he must select the proper plier for a specific job.

The present invention, therefore, has as a primary object the provision of novel and improved plier-type tools readily and easily convertible for use with either internal or external rings.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the foregoing object, is the provision of such pliers convertible or adaptable for use with rings of differing sizes.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such pliers having convertible tips for use in a straight or bent configuration.

Yet another primary object of the present invention,

in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such pliers capable of being operated either as a crossed handle or as a simple pivoted handle type.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such convertible pliers which need not be disassembled for conversion from one configuration to the other.

Another and yet still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such pliers having replace- Yet still another and further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such novel tools which are economical to manufacture.

Another and yet still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such tools having novel and improved joint construction enabling ready and easy conversion between crossed handle and simple pivoted handle configuration.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in an improved plier-type tool constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. The present invention will be better understood and objects and important features other than those specifically enumerated above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, which when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing described, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or modification of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other emdobiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. I is a top plan view of an improved plier-type tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention illustrating the tool in the simple pivoted handle configuration thereof, as for installing and removing external type spring retaining means;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the tool in the crossed handle configuration, as for installing and removing internal type snap rings;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial view of the head portion of the tool showing a different tip configuration;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional illustration taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating yet another tip configuration;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional illustration taken along line l0l0 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional illustration taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a convertible spring retaining ring pliertype tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally by the reference character 20.

The tool 20 comprises a pair of lever members 22 and 24 comprising, respectively, handle portions 26 and 28 and head portions 30 and 32. Each of the head portions 30 and 32 has removably secured therewith, a tip portion 34 and 36, respectively. Pivot means, such as a screw 38 and a nut 40 are also provided for securing the lever members 22 and 24 together, enabling pivotal movement thereof relative one another and enabling convertible assembly thereof between a simple pivoted configuration as shown in FIG. 1 whereat inward movement of the handle portions 26 and 28 results in outward movement of the tip portions 34 and 36 and a crossed handle configuration, shown in FIG. 4, whereat inward movement of the handle portions 26 and 28 results in inward movement of the tip portions 34 and 36.

Each of the handle portions 26 and 28 may be provided with an undulating outside edge configuration 42 and 44, as shown, corresponding to the fingers of a user or mechanic and the handle portions 26 and 28 may have associated therewith a relatively soft rubber or plastic grip covering 46 and 48, respectively.

The pivot screw 38 may be permanently associated with the lever member 22, as by being threaded into a screw threaded aperture 50 provided therein so that the head portion 52 thereof is disposed on the side thereof away from the other lever member 24. If desired, an adhesive may be provided between the screw 38 and the mating aperture 50 to preclude the screw 38 from inadvertently backing out of the screw threaded aperture or, alternatively, the screw 38 may be welded, soldered, or otherwise mounted with the lever portion or lever member 22. The lever member 24 may be provided with a generally double-ended keyhole slot 54 having a neck portion 56 having a width only slightly larger than the outside diameter of the screw 38 and a pair of enlarged circular end portions 58 and 60 having diameters substantially larger than the screw 38. The nut 40 may have an enlarged head portion 62 which may, for convenience, be provided with knurling around its outside, a reduced diameter neck portion or shoulder 64 having a diameter only slightly less than the diameter of the slot end portions 58 and 60, with the diameter of the knurled portion 62 being substantially larger than the diameter of the neck portion 64 and may be provided with a generally central aperture having a screw threaded portion 66 adapted to mate with the threads of the screw 38 and an enlarged countersunk portion 68.

Hence, if the lever portion 24 is positioned so that one or the other of the enlarged end portions of the slot 54 is generally concentric with the screw 38, the nut 40 may be screwed downwardly onto the screw 38 so that the shoulder 64 thereof engages the respective ones of the circular end portions 58 and 60 of the slot 56 so that the lever member 24 may be pivoted thereabout. Preferably, the length of the shoulder 64 is slightly longer than the thickness of the lever portion 24 so that, when the nut is snugged down tight on the screw 38 against the lever member 22, the lever member 24 will freely pivot thereabout. A spring washer 70 may be provided having an inside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the slot end portions 58 and 60 and disposed on the shoulder 64 of the nut 40 so as to retain the lever member 24 tightly against the lever member 22 when the nut 40 is tightened.

The end portion 72 of the screw 38 opposite the head 52 thereof may be swaged outwardly to form a retaining rim 72 to prevent the nut 40 from being threaded off the screw 38 by engagement thereof with the bottom of the recess 68 while yet permitting the nut 40 to be turned outwardly on the screw 38 sufficiently to clear the lever portion 24 and enable the center portion 56 of the slot 54 to be moved therepast so as to enable the tool 20 to be converted readily and easily between the simple pivoted handle configuration shown and illustrated in FIG. I and the crossed handle configuration shown in FIG. 4 while yet precluding the tool from being inadvertently disassembled and/or parts thereof becoming lost or misplaced.

Alternatively, rather than the nut 40 being screw threadedly engaged with the screw 38, the screw 38 need not be threaded and a small coil spring, or the like, could be disposed on the screw 38 between the rim 72 and the bottom of the recess 68 so that the nut 40 need merely be pulled upwardly or outwardly away from the head portion 52 to enable the lever member 24 to be moved between the two positions thereof. Then, upon release of the nut 40, the shoulder 64 thereof could engage the appropriate circular end portion of the slot 54 to lock the tool in that configuration. Slot and groove means or other means may be provided to then lock the nut 40 in its tightened position.

As heretofore pointed out, in addition to convertibility of the tool between the crossed-handle configuration, as for internal retaining rings, and the simple pivoted configuration, as for external retaining rings, it is an additional feature of the present tool that the tip portions 34 and 36 are readily and easily replaceable for conversion from a straight to a bent nose tool, to accommodate retaining rings of differing sizes, and to enable replacement thereof if broken or worn from use.

Accordingly, the tool 20 may comprise a set of tips including, for example, a set of straight tips 34 and 36 as shown in FIGS. 1-5, a pair of 90 bent nose tips 34' and 36' as shown in FIGS. 6-8 and a pair of 45 bent nose tips 34" and 36" as shown in FIGS. 9-11.

Each of the pairs of tips 34 and 36, 34' and 36' and 34" and 36" comprise a tip 34, 34' or 34" adapted for association with the lever portion 22 and a mating, cooperating tip 36, 36' or 36" adapted for association with the mating lever member 24. The pairs of straight tips 34 and 36 are symmetrical and either tip may be used on either handle or lever member 22 or 24 with similar results. However, the bent nose tips each comprise a pair of oppositely bent tips as will be described in more detail hereinafter. With particular reference to the straight tips 34 and 36 shown and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, each of the tips may be provided with an attaching portion 74 at one end portion thereof and with a pin engaging point 76 at the other end portion thereof. The attaching portion 74 may be provided with a keyhole slot 77 having an enlarged generally circular end opening 78 and a generally elongated neck portion 80. The mating head portion of the respective one of the lever portions, for example, the lever portion 24, may be provided with a screw threaded aperture 82 to which there may be engaged a screw 84 having a threaded shank 86 and an enlarged head 88. The neck portion 80 of the slot 77 is of a width slightly larger than the diameter of the screw threads 86 and the diameter of the circular portion 78 of the keyhole slot 77 is slightly larger than the diameter of the screw head 88 so that, with the screw 84 loosened, the tip 36 may be assembled to the lever portion 24 by merely passing the screw head 88 through the enlarged circular portion of the keyhole slot 77 and sliding the tip 36 toward the handle portion 28 to engage the narrow slot portion beneath the head 88 of the screw 84. Then, the head of the screw 88 may be tightened to lock the tip portion 36 to the lever member 24.

The nose portion 90 of the lever member 24 may be provided with a slot 92 to provide alignment and rotational locking of the tip thereto. The slot 92 is of a width substantially similar to the width of the tip portion 36 and the tip portion 36 may be bent, as indicated at 94 so as to engage the slot 92 during movement of the tip member 36 passed the screw 88. Hence, when the tip portion 36 is fully assembled with the lever portion 24 and the screw 88 tightened, the screw shaft 86 and the groove 92 preclude any rotational movement therebetween. A similar groove 96 may be provided for the tip portion 34 which may similarly be provided with an attachment portion 98 for cooperation with a screw 100.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, the 90 tips 34 and 36 may be similarly mounted with the lever members 22 and 24 but, as clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are oppositely bent so as to engage the respective slots 92 and 96 while yet extending in the same direction generally perpendicular the lever members 22 and 24.

Similarly, and with reference now particularly to FIGS. 9-11, 45 angle tip portions 34" and 36" may be provided being oppositely bent. While the tip portions 34', 36, 34." and 36" are preferably assembled with the lever portions 22 and 24 as shown, they may be assembled in the opposite direction although when assembled as shown, maximum clearance is provided because the tip portions then extend in an opposite direction from the nut 40. Similarly, diverse tip portions having differing diameter snap ring engaging points may be as easilyassembled with the lever members 22 and 24.

Moreover, some, although not all, of the advantages of the present tool may be derived by providing the tips as a permanent assembly with the levers, as by being stamped therewith as a unit. In this configuration, the tips would not be interchangeable although the tool would still be convertible between the crossed handle and simple pivoted handle configuration with the cost being substantially reduced.

Additionally, other tip forms, including serrated tips, spring forming tips, spanner wrench tips, and the like, may be used with the present invention.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiment or modification as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

l. Plier-type tool convertible between a simplepivoted and a crossed handle configuration for enabling selective application of expansive and contractive forces comprising, in combination, a pair of superposed generally flat lever members, an intermediate portion of one of said lever members being provided with a generally dumbbell shaped aperture defined by a narrow central slot extending generally transversely thereof bounded at each end by an enlarged generally circular end portion defining the simple-pivoted and crossed handle pivot locations, respectively, the other of said lever members being provided with a pivot post extending from an intermediate portion thereof through said aperture so as to be slidable along said slot; a pivot member carried by said other of said lever members for selective mating engagement within either of said end portions of said slot to define a pivot therewith; bearing means selectively bearing against said one lever member movable along self locking screw thread means connected therewith for enabling selective movement along the axis of said pivot post between a first self-locked position bearing against said one lever member retaining said pivot member engaged within the associated end portion of said slot and locking said members parallel and superposed even in the presence of large forces acting therebetween tending towards separation therebetween so that side wise and twisting forces may be applied without distorting the tool while preventing inadvertent movement of said post within said slot, and a second self-locked position whereat said pivot member may be disengaged from the associated end portion of said slot for movement and association with the other of said end portions of said slot.

2. Plier-type tool defined in claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprises an internally threaded nutlike member, said pivot post being threaded for mating engagement therewithin to define said self locking screw thread means.

3. Plier-type tool defined in claim 1 wherein said pivot member comprises a reduced diameter generally circular tenon extending axially of a shoulder of said bearing means.

4. Flier-type tool defined in claim 3 wherein each of said lever members comprise a handle portion and a tip portion extending generally oppositely of said intermediate portion, each of said tip portions being offset from the plane generally medial said intermediate portions, each of said tip portions being thinly elongated and extending forwardly of its respective intermediate portion, the longitudinal axis of the tip portion of said one of said lever members passing between said circular end portions of said aperture and the longitudinal axis of the tip portion of said other of said lever members intersecting said pivot post so that in either of said simple-pivoted and crossed handle configurations of said lever members at one limit of their relative rotation said tip portions extend closely parallel one another.

5. Plier-type tool defined in claim 4 wherein the outboard end portion of each of said tip portions is of pinlike configuration for engagement with the apertures of a snap ring for enabling installation and removal thereof.

6. Plier-type tool convertible between a simplepivoted and a cross handle configuartion for enabling selective application of expansive and contractive forces comprising, in combination, a pair of superposed generally flat lever members, an intermediate portion of one of said lever members being provided with a generally dumbbell shaped aperture defined by a narrow central slot extending generally transversely thereof bounded at each end by an enlarged generally circular end portion defining the simple-pivoted and crossed handle pivot locations, respectively, the other of said lever members being provided with a pivot post extending from an intermediate portion thereof through said aperture so as to be slidable along said slot; a pivot member carried by said other of said lever members for selective mating engagement within either of said end portions of said slot to define a pivot therewith and means selectively bearing against said one lever member selectively movable along the axis of said pivot post between a first position bearing against said one lever member retaining said pivot member engaged within the associated end portion of said slot and looking said members parallel and superposed even in the presence of large forces acting therebetween tending towards separation therebetween so that side wise and twisting forces may be applied without distorting the tool while preventing inadvertent movement of said post within said slot, and a second position whereat said pivot member may be disengaged from the associated end portion of said slot for movement and association with the other of said end portions of said slot wherein each of said lever members comprise a handle portion extending outwardly of said intermediate portion provided with a slot extending generally through an edge thereof generally opposite said handle portion and screw threaded means with an axis generally perpendicular said lever member adjacent and in longitudinal alignment with said edge slot together with a tip member adapted for removable association therewith, said tip member comprising an elongated tip portion and a flattened attaching portion at one end portion thereof provided with a slot extending generally parallel the longitudinal axis of said tip portion adapted to engage said screw threaded means and an intermediate portion between said attaching portion and said tip portion adapted to simultaneously engage said edge slot to secure said tip member with said lever member and preclude relative rotation therebetween and means associated with said screw threaded means for clamping said attaching portion with said intermediate portion of said lever member.

7. Flier-type tool defined in claim 6 wherein said screw threaded means comprises a set screw engaged in a threaded aperture provided in said intermediate portion of said lever member having an enlarged head, said clamping means being defined by said enlarged head.

8. Plier-type tool defined in claim 7 wherein said attaching portion and said tip portion are offset and generally parallel on opposite sides of said intermediate portion of said tip member, said offset intermediate portion of said tip member engaging said edge slot.

9. Plier-type tool defined in claim 6 wherein said tip portions are of pin-like configuration for engagement with the apertures of a snap ring for enabling installation and removal thereof.

10. Plier-type tool defined in claim 7 wherein said attaching portion slot comprises a keyhole shape aperture having a narrow portion extending along the longitudinal axis and a generally circular enlarged portion adjacent the end thereof opposite said intermediate portion of said tip member through which said screw head is adapted to be inserted. 

1. Plier-type tool convertible between a simple-pivoted and a crossed handle configuration for enabling selective application of expansive and contractive forces comprising, in combination, a pair of superposed generally flat lever members, an intermediate portion of one of said lever members being provided with a generally dumbbell shaped aperture defined by a narrow central slot extending generally transversely thereof bounded at each end by an enlarged generally circular end portion defining the simple-pivoted and crossed handle pivot locations, respectively, the other of said lever members being provided with a pivot post extending from an intermediate portion thereof through said aperture so as to be slidable along said slot; a pivot member carried by said other of said lever members for selective mating engagement within either of said end portions of said slot to define a pivot therewith; bearing means selectively bearing against said one lever member movable along self locking screw thread means connected therewith for enabling selective movement along the axis of said pivot post between a first self-locked position bearing against said one lever member retaining said pivot member engaged within the associated end portion of said slot and locking said members parallel and superposed even in the presence of large forces acting therebetween tending towards separation therebetween so that side wise and twisting forces may be applied without distorting the tool while preventing inadvertent movement of said post within said slot, and a second self-locked position whereat said pivot member may be disengaged from the associated end portion of said slot for movement and association with the other of said end portions of said slot.
 2. Plier-type tool defined in claim 1 wherein said bearing means comprises an internally threaded nut-like member, said pivot post being threaded for mating engagement therewithin to define said self locking screw thread means.
 3. Plier-type tool defined in claim 1 wherein said pivot member comprises a reduced diameter generally circular tenon extending axially of a shoulder of said bearing means.
 4. Plier-type tool defined in claim 3 wherein each of said lever members comprise a handle portion and a tip portion extending generally oppositely of said intermediate portion, each of said tip portions being offset from the plane generally medial said intermediate portions, each of said tip portions being thinly elongated and extending forwardly of its respective intermediate portion, the longitudinal axis of the tip Portion of said one of said lever members passing between said circular end portions of said aperture and the longitudinal axis of the tip portion of said other of said lever members intersecting said pivot post so that in either of said simple-pivoted and crossed handle configurations of said lever members at one limit of their relative rotation said tip portions extend closely parallel one another.
 5. Plier-type tool defined in claim 4 wherein the out-board end portion of each of said tip portions is of pin-like configuration for engagement with the apertures of a snap ring for enabling installation and removal thereof.
 6. Plier-type tool convertible between a simple-pivoted and a cross handle configuartion for enabling selective application of expansive and contractive forces comprising, in combination, a pair of superposed generally flat lever members, an intermediate portion of one of said lever members being provided with a generally dumbbell shaped aperture defined by a narrow central slot extending generally transversely thereof bounded at each end by an enlarged generally circular end portion defining the simple-pivoted and crossed handle pivot locations, respectively, the other of said lever members being provided with a pivot post extending from an intermediate portion thereof through said aperture so as to be slidable along said slot; a pivot member carried by said other of said lever members for selective mating engagement within either of said end portions of said slot to define a pivot therewith and means selectively bearing against said one lever member selectively movable along the axis of said pivot post between a first position bearing against said one lever member retaining said pivot member engaged within the associated end portion of said slot and locking said members parallel and superposed even in the presence of large forces acting therebetween tending towards separation therebetween so that side wise and twisting forces may be applied without distorting the tool while preventing inadvertent movement of said post within said slot, and a second position whereat said pivot member may be disengaged from the associated end portion of said slot for movement and association with the other of said end portions of said slot wherein each of said lever members comprise a handle portion extending outwardly of said intermediate portion provided with a slot extending generally through an edge thereof generally opposite said handle portion and screw threaded means with an axis generally perpendicular said lever member adjacent and in longitudinal alignment with said edge slot together with a tip member adapted for removable association therewith, said tip member comprising an elongated tip portion and a flattened attaching portion at one end portion thereof provided with a slot extending generally parallel the longitudinal axis of said tip portion adapted to engage said screw threaded means and an intermediate portion between said attaching portion and said tip portion adapted to simultaneously engage said edge slot to secure said tip member with said lever member and preclude relative rotation therebetween and means associated with said screw threaded means for clamping said attaching portion with said intermediate portion of said lever member.
 7. Plier-type tool defined in claim 6 wherein said screw threaded means comprises a set screw engaged in a threaded aperture provided in said intermediate portion of said lever member having an enlarged head, said clamping means being defined by said enlarged head.
 8. Plier-type tool defined in claim 7 wherein said attaching portion and said tip portion are offset and generally parallel on opposite sides of said intermediate portion of said tip member, said offset intermediate portion of said tip member engaging said edge slot.
 9. Plier-type tool defined in claim 6 wherein said tip portions are of pin-like configuration for engagement with the apertures of a snap ring for enabling installation and removal thEreof.
 10. Plier-type tool defined in claim 7 wherein said attaching portion slot comprises a keyhole shape aperture having a narrow portion extending along the longitudinal axis and a generally circular enlarged portion adjacent the end thereof opposite said intermediate portion of said tip member through which said screw head is adapted to be inserted. 